Maruti Eeco 5 Seater Standard review

Maruti Suzuki India Limited has a lot of splendid vehicles in their stable, among which, Maruti Eeco is a spacious MPV. The company is offering it in both petrol and CNG engine options for the buyers to choose from. Among the various variants available this Maruti Eeco 5 Seater Standard is the base variant in its petrol engine line up. It is blessed with a 1.1-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1196cc. This power plant is incorporated with a multi point fuel injection supply system, which helps in delivering a healthy mileage. When this utility vehicle is driven in the city traffic conditions, it gives close to 11.8 Kmpl. While on the bigger roads, its mileage goes up to 15.1 Kmpl, which is rather decent for this segment. It also has a 40 litre fuel tank, which helps in planning longer journeys. This petrol mill has the ability to churn out a maximum power of 73bhp in combination with 101Nm of peak torque output. The braking and suspension mechanism are quite efficient and it keeps the vehicle well balanced. The front wheels are equipped with ventilated disc, while the rear gets drum brakes as well. On the other hand, the front and rear axle are assembled with McPherson strut and 3-link rigid type of suspension mechanism. The company is selling this MPV in quite a few exterior paint options, which are Metallic Glistening Grey, Silky Silver, Midnight Black, Blue Blaze, Bright Red and Superior White finish for the buyers to choose from.

Exteriors:

The frontage of this variant is equipped with a bold radiator grille, which is embossed with a company logo in the center. This grille is flanked by a stylish headlight cluster, which is powered by halogen lamps and turn indicator. It has a black colored bumper, which is fitted with a wide air dam for cooling the engine. The large windscreen is integrated with a wiper. The side profile is designed with door handles and outside rear view mirrors, which are painted in body color. The neatly carved wheel arches are fitted with mud flaps (only in front). It is equipped with a sturdy set of 13 inch steel wheels with center caps and 155 R13 LT sized tubeless tyres. On the other hand, the rear end is designed with a large windscreen with a high mounted brake light that adds to the safety aspect of the vehicle. Apart from these, it has a black colored bumper and a tail light cluster. The company has designed it with an overall length of 3675mm along with a total width of 1475mm, which include external rear view mirrors. The overall height of this MPV measures about 1800mm, which is quite decent. It comes with a wheelbase of 2350mm and a minimum ground clearance of 160mm.

Interiors:

The spacious internal section is incorporated with comfortable seats, which are covered with fabric upholstery. These seats provide enough leg space for all the occupants sitting inside. The dashboard is equipped with a few features like a glove box, a three spoke steering wheel and a digital display . Apart from these, the company has bestowed the cabin with sun visors, assist grips for co-driver and rear passengers, front and rear cabin lamps and many other such aspects as well. The dual tone internal section comes with molded roof lining and floor carpet, which gives it a decent appearance. It also has a spacious boot compartment, where we can store ample luggage.

Engine and Performance:

This Maruti Eeco 5 Seater Standard is powered by a 1.2-litre petrol engine, which comes with a displacement capacity of 1196cc. It is integrated with four cylinders and sixteen valves using DOHC (double overhead camshaft) valve configuration. This power plant has the ability to churn out a maximum power output of 73bhp at 6000rpm in combination with 101Nm of peak torque at 3000rpm. It is mated with a five speed manual transmission gear box, which sends the engine power to its rear wheels. It allows this utility vehicle to attain a maximum speed in the range of 140 to 146 Kmph, which is quite good for this segment. At the same time, it can cross the speed barrier of 100 Kmph in close to 15.6 seconds. With the help of MPFI supply system, it can generate 15.1 Kmpl on the bigger roads and 11.8 Kmpl in the city limits.

Braking and Handling:

This vehicle comes with a proficient suspension and braking mechanism, which keeps it well balanced. The front axle is assembled with McPherson strut, while the rear gets 3-link rigid type of suspension mechanism. On the other hand, its front wheels are fitted with a set of ventilated disc brakes, while the rear wheels are equipped with conventional drum brakes as well. The company has given this trim a rack and pinion based manual steering system, which is quite responsive. This steering wheel supports a minimum turning radius of 4.5 meters that is good for this class.

Comfort Features:

Being the base variant, the car manufacturer has bestowed this trim with a lot of standard features that gives the occupants a comfortable driving experience. The list of features include reclining front passenger seat along with sliding driver seat, integrated headrests for front row, heater and audio 1-DIN box with cover. It also comes with a provision for installing an air conditioning system as well. The instrument cluster comes in amber illumination and it is equipped with a few functions like multi-tripmeter, digital display with fuel level indicator, odometer and low fuel warning light for convenience of the driver.

Safety Features:

This Maruti Eeco 5 Seater Standard is the entry level trim and the company has given it headlamp leveling device, child lock for sliding doors and windows, seat belts fr all occupants for enhance the safety in case of collision and a centrally located high mounted stop lamp. Apart from these, its rigid body structure comes with side impact beams that protect the occupants sitting inside in case of any crash.

Pros: 1. Very easy to drive on city roads because of compact size. 2. Initial cost of ownership is affordable. Cons: 1. Engine performance can be better. 2. Many more safety and comfort features can be added.

Maruti Eeco in news

At the 2014 Paris Motor Show, Suzuki Motor Corporation will hold the global premiere of its all-new small and stylish SUV model. ‎The new five door car is named Vitara and it marks the return of the famous badge first used by Suzuki more than 25 years ago, also on a small SUV. Read Full News

Maruti Suzuki India Limited (MSIL), country’s leading car manufacturer and McDonald’s India’s leading food service retailer today announced the winner of the ‘Eeco-Meal’ contest. The month long promotion open to all Indian citizens selected the two best entries. The two lucky winners who won a brand new Maruti Suzuki Eeco are Mr. Vikas Singhal of Delhi & Mr. A.K Sinha of Mumbai. Read Full News

A report from the research firm Deloitte says that there is going to be a situation reversal where car sales are concerned. The year 2011 has been particularly bad even after recording a whopping 25% growth in the beginning of the year. However, the situation still doesn’t seem to be very positive where only 2-3% growth is expected by the end of this fiscal 2011-2012. But what seems to be quite hopeful is soon after that, the inflation and the poor economic growth will get under control to lift the spirits of the car manufacturers. Anyhow, the future seems to be very bright especially for India where the overall cars in India are far less than the other markets in comparison. Read Full News